What Happened to Bret the Hitman Hart in Wrestling?By Coder| September 1, 2023 Wrestling What Happened to Bret the Hitman Hart in Wrestling? Wrestling fans all over the world still recall the shocking incident that took place on November 9, 1997, known as the “Montreal Screwjob.” This event forever changed the course of Bret Hart’s career and left a lasting impact on the wrestling industry. The Montreal Screwjob The Montreal Screwjob refers to the controversial ending of Bret Hart’s match against Shawn Michaels at the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) pay-per-view event, Survivor Series. At that time, Bret was the reigning WWF Champion and was set to leave for rival promotion World Championship Wrestling (WCW) after refusing to sign a new contract with WWF. The plan was for Bret to retain his title in his hometown of Montreal, Canada, and then drop it to Shawn Michaels at a later date. However, tensions between Bret and WWF owner Vince McMahon were high due to contractual disputes and creative differences. The Unthinkable Betrayal During the match’s final moments, Vince McMahon ordered referee Earl Hebner to ring the bell prematurely while Bret was locked in Shawn Michaels’ finishing move. The decision was made without Bret’s knowledge or consent. This unexpected betrayal left both Bret and the audience stunned. The controversy surrounding this incident stems from the fact that it violated one of wrestling’s unwritten rules: never expose the business. The Montreal Screwjob shattered this code of honor and forever changed how fans perceived wrestling. The Aftermath Bret Hart confronted Vince McMahon backstage immediately after the incident, spitting in his face out of anger and frustration. This act marked a turning point in their relationship and fueled a bitter rivalry that would continue for years to come. Following the Montreal Screwjob, Bret Hart joined WCW, where he had a tumultuous tenure. His time in WCW was plagued by creative mismanagement and a lack of understanding of his character. Despite these challenges, Bret continued to showcase his exceptional wrestling skills. In 2000, Bret Hart’s wrestling career was tragically cut short when he suffered a severe concussion during a match with Bill Goldberg. This injury forced him into early retirement and left fans wondering what could have been. The Legacy of the Hitman Bret Hart’s impact on professional wrestling cannot be understated. He was known for his technical prowess, intense charisma, and unparalleled storytelling abilities inside the ring. His matches were filled with heart-stopping moments that captivated audiences worldwide. Despite the bitter end to his WWF career, Bret Hart remains one of the most respected figures in wrestling history. He has since made peace with Vince McMahon and has been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. In Conclusion The Montreal Screwjob forever changed the landscape of professional wrestling and had a profound impact on Bret Hart’s career. While it marked a dark chapter in both his life and the industry as a whole, Bret’s legacy as one of wrestling’s all-time greats remains untarnished.
